iRubric: Written Speech Rubric

The lead, or attention grabber, is completely absent. The speech does not use any particular lead technique to get the reader/listener interested.

The speech does not begin with a strong lead. A lead that was discussed in class was implemented, but it was not used very well.

The speech begins with a solid lead. It effectively uses one of the types of leads that we learned in class. It is interesting.

The speech begins with a strong, clear lead or attention grabber. It uses a personal experience or story, a surprising fact or statistic, a contrast, a question, a problem, a shocking or interesting fact to begin the essay. This effectively pulls the reader into the piece and makes him/her want to read more.

It is difficult to understand what the speech is about. Transitions words are not used with any regularity. Many points need to be developed more.

The speech becomes unfocused at times. Transitions words are not used regularly. Some points made needed to developed more.

The speech is generally focused and follows the topic stated in the introduction. Most of the time, transitions words are used. Points are usually reinforced with stories, experience, information, and / or humour.

The speech is focused and follows the main idea stated in the introduction. Transition words are used flawlessly. Stories, experiences, information, and / or humour is used effectively to reinforce points made.

Speech contains a lot of grammatical errors that negatively affect or weaken the meaning of the writing.

Speech contains grammatical errors that sometimes affect content and hurt the quality of the writing.

Speech contains minimal grammatical errors that do not affect the content.

Speech contains few or no grammatical errors. Sentence structure and the writers's grasp on grammar enhance the quality of the speech.